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The Civil War. Life in the Army, Weapons and Technology. Those Who Fought. Most who fought were 18-30 years young. Most soldiers were farmers and born in U.S. Most had never left their farms. Immigrants served. Most were from Ireland and Germany.
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The Civil War Life in the Army, Weapons and Technology
Those Who Fought • Most who fought were 18-30 years young. • Most soldiers were farmers and born in U.S. Most had never left their farms. • Immigrants served. Most were from Ireland and Germany. • African Americans wanted to fight. To them this war is about ending slavery. Both the North and South say NO initially, later the North will allow. • Native Americans fought on both sides.
Those Who Fought • 2 million served the Union, fewer than 1 million the Confederacy. • Most were volunteers. Why volunteer? -Escape boredom of farm or factory -Join Friend or neighbor -Seek adventure, glory -Get recruitment $$$$ -Show loyalty to country, state or area.
Turning Civilians into Soldiers • After enlisting, a soldier was sent to training camp. Usually live in tents. • Follow set schedule. Up at dawn, roll call, breakfast and drill, drill, drill. Also cut wood and dig latrines.
Turning Civilians into Soldiers • Uniforms: North-Blue and South-Grey or yellowish brown • Clothing was poor quality. Contractors gave shoddy goods. • Imitation leather shoes fell apart when it rained. • Plenty of food in the camps but in the field many times they went hungry. North South
Organization of the Armies Company- smallest unit. 83 to 101 men. Usually made up of hometown volunteer units. Regiments- Made up of Companies. Infantry companies were usually 10 companies, Cavalry were 12. Brigades- Made up of 2 or more Regiments. Often it was 4-6 and sometimes as high as 15. Divisions- Made up of 2 or more Brigades. Corps- Usually made up of 3 Divisions.
Hardships of Army life • Soldiers in the field were often wet, muddy and cold. • Camp were unsanitary and smelled. Soldiers would go weeks without bathing. Their bodies, clothing and bedding became infested with lice and fleas. • Poor hygiene resulted in widespread sickness. Chronic diarrhea and other intestinal disorders were common. • Doctors failed to wash their hands or instruments.
Military Weapons and Technology • More people died in this war than in all other wars combined. Armies and Navies were still using tactics which massed forces together to bring the greatest firepower. • At the same time the technology of weapons had greatly increased. • The rifle was now widely used. The gun has a grooved barrel that causes the bullet to spin for greater accuracy and distance. • The Minie ball was used. It was a .58 caliber, hollow based bullet that was much more deadly and accurate.
Military Weapons and Technology • The Model 1861 Springfield Musket was the most widely used shoulder arm of the Civil war and saw service in every major battle. It was made in the North at a cost of $15 to $20 to the federal government.
Military Weapons and Technology • The Colt Army Model 1860 became the most popular sidearm in the Union army (the Colt Navy Model 1861 .36 calibre was preferred in the South) and was renowned for its interchangeability of parts. The Colt Model 1860 was a .44 calibre six shot weapon which weighed 2 lbs 11 ounces, and cost $13.75.
Military Weapons and Technology • 12-pounder Napoleon • The Napoleon was the most popular smoothbore cannon used during the war. because of its safety, reliability, and killing power, especially at close range.
Military Weapons and Technology • Ironclads- warships covered with iron. • First Ironclad battle was the Confederate Virginia (Merrimack) vs. the Union Monitor off the coast of Virginia. • After a four hour battle it was a draw. • Wooden ships were a thing of the past.
